Technology Standards

BMCC encourages the thoughtful use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for educational, research, and administrative purposes. AI can support learning, streamline workflows, and enhance creativity. However, it is essential to use these tools responsibly, especially when handling sensitive or confidential information. 

While these campus-wide standards apply to all students and employees, some faculty may impose additional restrictions on the use of AI tools in their courses. Students are expected to consult their course syllabus and communicate with their instructors before using AI in any coursework.

These guidelines reflect the BMCC Policy on Generative AI Use (Policy 100.116).

Permitted Use of AI Tools

You may use any AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Bard, Claude) for educational or professional purposes at BMCC, provided that:

• You do not enter any sensitive, confidential, or protected information into the AI system.

• You verify the accuracy of any AI-generated content before using it.

• You are mindful of bias, copyright, and academic integrity in how you use the output.

Some examples of acceptable use include:

• Brainstorming and idea development

• Drafting or revising text

• Exploring programming approaches

• Language assistance or translation

• Research support (with appropriate fact-checking)
  
  
  

Data Protection: What Not to Enter Into AI

BMCC prohibits the use of AI tools to process or store any of the following types of data, unless the tool has been explicitly approved by the BMCC IT Department:

• Student personal data (e.g., names, ID numbers, grades, class schedules, disability accommodations)

• Employee records (e.g., evaluations, personnel data, leave or health information)

• Confidential research data, intellectual property, or proprietary materials

• FERPA, HIPAA, or ADA-protected information

Public/free AI tools often retain or analyze submitted input. Do not use them for anything that requires privacy, security, or legal compliance. If you are unsure if something is sensitive, assume that it is until you can get clarification from IT.

 

Approved AI Tools for Sensitive Data

The following tools may be used with sensitive or protected data, but only when accessed through BMCC-issued, organization-owned accounts:

• Microsoft Copilot

• Microsoft 365 services that utilize AI resources

• ChatGPT (paid version via BMCC-controlled accounts only)

Any other AI tools intended for use with sensitive data must first be reviewed and approved by the BMCC IT Department.

Disapproved/Banned AI Tools

At this time, the BMCC Information Technology Department has not expressly banned any AI tools for general, non-sensitive educational or administrative use. Employees are permitted, and encouraged, to explore a wide range of AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Bard, DALL·E, and others.

However, this permission is conditional on the following:

• No protected, confidential, or sensitive data may be entered into these tools unless they have been formally reviewed and approved by IT.
  
  
• BMCC organization-owned accounts must be used for any AI tool interacting with institutional data or being used in a professional context that could involve protected information.
  
  
• The use of any AI tool must still comply with BMCC’s broader policies on academic integrity, harassment, intellectual property, and acceptable use.

BMCC reserves the right to evaluate and revise its list of disallowed tools as technology evolves, new risks emerge, or vendor practices change. Tools that fail to meet security, privacy, or ethical standards may be formally disapproved and restricted from use on BMCC systems.

 

Guidelines for Responsible Use

BMCC users are expected to:

• Confirm the accuracy of AI-generated content before using it

• Review all AI outputs for bias or discriminatory assumptions

• Avoid plagiarism or inappropriate reuse of AI-generated material

• Use AI in a way that aligns with BMCC’s acceptable use, anti-harassment, and nondiscrimination policies

Users must not use AI tools to:

• Generate or share harmful, threatening, or harassing content

• Create deepfakes or impersonate others without consent

• Facilitate academic dishonesty or fraudulent activity
  
  

Requesting AI Tool Approval

If you intend to use an AI tool to process confidential or protected information, you must request written approval from the BMCC IT Department. This includes AI tools embedded within other software platforms or services. You can submit a request for approval at https://support.bmcc.edu

Reporting Misuse or Concerns

To report unauthorized AI usage, privacy violations, or inappropriate content, please contact a member of the IT department, and/or the Human Resources department.

BMCC will review all reports in accordance with applicable policies, including those addressing cybersecurity, nondiscrimination, and student and employee conduct.